Page 4 of Romeo
I never dated within my job or work. It had been a steadfast rule for me and one I’d followed since I started interning as a lawyer. It would just save me the cruel headache of being involved with someone that could affect my work. Or perhaps destroy my reputation. I didn't want to jeopardize all my schooling and hard work, just for a few hot dates. Still, Romeo was damned sexy. I chuckled.
Looking around, I saw several motorcycles and wondered what that was all about. I wasn’t aware of Descalia having connections with an MC. His cousin Mancini had the Rebel Saints, but I never knew Stephano had any MC affiliates.
Finally, after traipsing up the many and very large steps leading to the front doors, I stood with my arm raised, ready to knock.
The door opened and I actually blinked. Maybe stared would be more correct. An actual old world style butler stood there. How did I know he was a butler? Well, the bowtie, waistcoat, a vest, tailcoat, and white gloves sort of gave it away.
“Hello, Ms. Regatta,” he greeted me.
And he had a British accent!
I nodded my head and couldn’t help but smile. “And you are?”
“Max,” he replied as he formally moved aside to motion me forward. “Mr. Descalia is expecting you. So if you will follow me?”
I nodded and followed. Man, did I try not to stare at his outfit and his shiny black shoes, but I never expected this. An actual British butler? And boy, was he tall. Alberto Mancini had this very tall and large man by the name of Iso that you could sayguardedthe front doors at his estate. He was very polite but scary as hell. Not any kind of butler that was for sure.
We went past the ostentatious staircase then down a wide hall and I heard loud voices. They were coming from behind a set of mahogany doors that looked slightly ajar. I slowed down and stopped to listen.
“We release him and then attack,” Stephano said.
“But that means facing many unknown guns and a possible war, Papa,” Dante’s voice said.
“Si, I know, son…that is the whole point.”
“The whole point is to save our dad,” a woman exclaimed.
“Si, perhaps,” Stephano replied. “But aren't you all tired of this man? He has made a game of taking you all down. I say we have it out and do battle while he is present. Not just fight his men and allow him to go.”
“I hate to say it but I agree with this man,” a deep voice spoke.
“Talon!” the woman I heard before, snapped at him. “This is our dad’s life at stake!”
Max cleared his throat to get my attention.
Caught eavesdropping, I snapped my head up and stared at him.
He extended his arm to the side, toward the hallway. “Mr. Descalia instructed me to take you to his office—”
The doors next to us opened all the way and a familiar voice said, “Hey, there.”
I looked up to see Romeo. “Hey,” I greeted him then openly admitted, “Sorry, I did stop here to listen.”
Grinning at me, he replied, “I love that about you. Honest to a fault.” He stepped aside and motioned toward the room he’d just stepped out of. “Come on in,” he invited.
I raised my hands up at him and said, “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You didn’t. Geseppi texted me, so I knew you had arrived.” Romeo motioned again with a sweep of his arm for me to enter the room.
I looked up at Max.
With his hands behind his back, the butler stated, “I am not in charge, madam.”
Madam…I stared at him, his somber, stiff britt voice and the whole effect of him was all too much for me. I laughed.
He did not react as he simply stood there.
Romeo chuckled and shook his head. “I often forget that people wouldn’t be used to Max. He’s quite the man around here.”
